OPSEU LOCAL 276
MEDIA RELEASE
February 22, 2008
Office and clerical workers in Owen Sound
vote to strike if necessary
OWEN SOUND – Office and clerical workers at the Grey
Bruce Health Unit, members of OPSEU Local 276, held a strike vote in
Owen Sound Feb. 21 after being twice delayed by weather.
The secret ballot vote was attended by over 90% of the
membership and the vote overwhelmingly supported the bargaining team’s
recommendation to reject the employer’s final offer and to call a
strike, if necessary, in order to get a better contract.
“The PA’s play a key role in the development and
delivery of every health promotion and disease program the Health Unit
delivers. They provide the very foundation for the work of public health
nurses, inspectors, nutrition, dental, environment and enforcement
staff. The Health Unit is playing a dangerous game by demeaning the
value that these employees afford the system,” said Ted Loughead, staff
representative for OPSEU.
The Union will ask the Ministry of Labour to once again
send a conciliation officer to assist the parties in their talks.
The office and clerical workers at GBHU support the
various programs that the Health Unit is responsible to deliver,
including vaccine, rabies, safe water, healthy babies, food safety, and
other programs.
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For more information: Linda Radbourne (519) 371-2896
